Actors Taisei Kido, Riku Hagiwara, and Sei Shiraishi will appear in the Fuji TV Getsuku drama "Emergency Room 24 Hours," which starts on October 12th. The network announced this on September 2nd.
"Emergency Room 24 Hours" is a popular series that began airing in 1999 and has since produced five regular series and five special dramas. Yosuke Eguchi, who played the lead role of Issei Shindo in the first four series, and Nanako Matsushima, who played the lead role of Kaede Kojima in the first and third-fifth series, will once again co-star in this sixth series.
This drama, the first of the Reiwa era, will air in the prime-time Monday Getsuku slot for the first time. It will depict themes unique to 2026, such as "work style reform" brought about by the new system for reforming doctors' working styles implemented in April 2024, "generational differences," and "the growth of the next generation." The key point will be the difference in values that has arisen between the younger doctors and nurses who prioritize time performance and seek rationality, and the generation of Shindo and Kojima, who have saved lives through passion and self-sacrifice.
Kido plays Ren Miyazawa, a second-year resident in the emergency department at Tokyo Metropolitan Third Hospital. Having lost his father to illness at a young age, Miyazawa grew up in a single-parent household. Despite financial difficulties, he received a merit-based scholarship and passed the entrance exam to medical school straight away. He believes he is more capable and works harder than anyone around him. He is a lone wolf who doesn't actively try to fit in with those around him.
Hagiwara plays Tomoya Amano, a second-year resident in the emergency department of Tokyo Metropolitan Third Hospital. Amano is the heir to a general hospital in Tokyo and chose the medical path because he comes from a family of doctors. He is diligent in his work but doesn't want to take responsibility and plans to finish his residency without incident and join his family's hospital.
Shiraishi plays Ami Hiiragi, a third-year resident in the emergency department of Tokyo Metropolitan Third Hospital. Hiiragi was born to parents who run an orthopedic clinic and grew up without any hardships. She begins working as a resident, but doesn't want to work as a doctor to the point of burning herself out, so she takes paid leave whenever she can. She has decided to open a cosmetic surgery clinic in the future, and to that end, she thinks she needs to raise her profile as a "doctor influencer," so she is working hard on beauty treatments and social media posts.
The comments from Ms. Kido, Ms. Ogihara, and Ms. Shiraishi are as follows:
◇Comment from Taisei Kido
--What were your feelings when you were cast in "Emergency Room 24 Hours"?
I've watched "Emergency Room 24 Hours" as a viewer myself, and it's been loved by so many people, so I was really happy when I found out I could enter the world of "Emergency Room 24 Hours" as Ren Miyazawa. This is my first time playing a doctor, so I want to challenge myself through the role, focusing on surgical techniques such as operating scenes, as well as the fast-paced coordination between doctors required in emergency situations, while cherishing the feeling of actually being there.
--What are your impressions of Yosuke Eguchi and Nanako Matsushima?
When I first met them, I was so moved to see that Mr. Shindo and Mr. Kojima were both there! They are both very kind and listen attentively to even the smallest details of the play. I am really looking forward to working with them wholeheartedly.
--A message to our viewers.
The character of Ren Miyazawa is a resident physician who has completed his residency. He is confident that his skills and abilities are superior to those around him, but he also has many shortcomings as a doctor. I hope you will watch and see how Miyazawa grows. This season of "Emergency Room 24 Hours" is a new season that is more meaningful in today's times than ever before. The cast and crew are working together as one to tackle each day of filming, so please look forward to it and wait for the broadcast.
◇Comment from Riku Hagiwara
--What were your feelings when you were cast in "Emergency Room 24 Hours"?
I was born in 1999, so I'm the same age as "Emergency Room 24 Hours." I'm incredibly happy to be able to appear in this historical drama that has been running since around the time I was born, and I feel grateful for this precious opportunity. After receiving the offer, I watched past seasons again. As a viewer, I found them fascinating, and the thought of being a part of this world made me very excited. I am truly honored to be a part of this production, which inherits history while weaving a new story.
--What are your impressions of Yosuke Eguchi and Nanako Matsushima?
This is my first time working with Mr. Eguchi, and my first time working with Ms. Matsushima since the movie "Don't Call It Mystery" (2023). I had watched their past works to prepare, so when I first saw them in person at rehearsal, I couldn't help but get excited and think, "They're the real deal!" (laughs). They're so cool! They both have a gentle and approachable demeanor, and they create an atmosphere where I can freely express anything that concerns me. I'm very grateful for this environment that makes it easy to take on challenges.
--A message to our viewers.
Amano is a character that symbolizes "Generation Z." He's naturally intelligent, can read the room, and is good at going with the flow, but he also has a side that tries to avoid responsibility and lacks goals. I'm the same generation as Amano, so I can relate to some of his feelings... I want to carefully portray Amano, who has a different way of thinking and mindset than Professor Shindo and Professor Kojima's generation, without considering whether he's good or bad.
Also, this is my first time working on a medical scene, and I feel like it's a completely different kind of environment than I've ever experienced before. There are a lot of technical terms, and things that I couldn't visualize just from the script suddenly become clear during rehearsals, which is an experience I can't get from working on projects that depict everyday life. I often heard from fellow actors that "medical dramas are tough," and I'm now realizing what they mean, while also enjoying the filming process.
"Emergency Room 24 Hours" is a drama that can resonate with people living in modern society and encourage those who are struggling. The issues raised in this work are not limited to the medical field, but are themes that apply to Japanese society as a whole, so I would be happy if you could watch it and think about them together with us.
◇Comment from Sei Shiraishi
--What were your feelings when you were cast in "Emergency Room 24 Hours"?
I was very happy to be able to appear in the long-loved "Emergency Room 24 Hours" series. It is an honor to be able to participate in the new series after 13 years, and I am also very pleased to be working alongside Yosuke Eguchi and Nanako Matsushima, who are co-starring for the first time in 16 years. I want to approach the filming with gratitude for being able to be a part of this historic work.
--What are your impressions of Yosuke Eguchi and Nanako Matsushima?
Ms. Eguchi has a presence that naturally tightens the atmosphere on set just by her presence, yet she comes across as very approachable. Ms. Matsushima has a wonderful presence that conveys a dignified inner strength amidst a calm demeanor, and her voice is truly beautiful. I was captivated not only by her acting but also by the way she spoke. I feel that the time I spent working with both of them was a very valuable experience.
--A message to our viewers.
The character I play, Hiiragi, isn't someone who aspires to be an emergency physician from the start. What she feels and learns as she confronts life and death with Dr. Shindo and Dr. Kojima, and by watching them, and the gradual changes in her feelings and growth through those experiences, are the highlights of this role. I hope you'll pay attention to her transformation as you watch.
